BELLEVILLE — A couple is suing Borg-Warner Morse TEC LLC and dozens of other users of asbestos products, alleging failure to warn and negligence in the husband's lung cancer.
Robert L. Burton and Linda Burton filed a complaint Jan. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the dozens of defendants, alleging failure to exercise due care and caution for the safety of others.
According to the complaint, at various times during Robert Burton's employment career beginning in 1968, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by the defendants. On about Aug. 29, 2017, he said, he first became aware that he had developed lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease.
The suit says Burton was caused to suffer great pain and anguish and become liable for large sums of monies for medical expenses. Linda Burton alleges she has been deprived of the companionship, society and services of her husband.
The plaintiffs allege the dozens of defendants intentionally included asbestos fibers in their products when they knew the fibers had toxic, poisonous and highly deleterious effects on human health and failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions concerning the dangers of working with or around products containing asbestos.
The Burtons seek trial by jury, compensatory and economic damages of more than $50,000, plus any further appropriate relief. They are represented by attorney Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 19-L-54